If you’re looking to bring a burst of festive flavor and creamy sweetness into your holiday treats, this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It beautifully combines smooth white chocolate with the crisp, refreshing crunch of candy canes, creating a delightful balance that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re crafting gifts for loved ones or aiming to impress at your next holiday party, this fudge is simple to make and irresistibly delicious, capturing the spirit of the season in one luscious square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe plays a vital role in crafting its perfect texture and flavor. The list might be short, but each component brings something essential, from creamy richness to that unmistakable peppermint zing.
- 3 cups white chocolate chips: Choose high-quality chips for a smooth, creamy base that melts to perfection.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: This adds the luscious sweetness and helps the fudge set just right.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A subtle but important note that deepens the flavor without overpowering the peppermint.
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract: The star of the show, delivering that classic candy cane freshness.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes, plus extra for topping: These provide a festive crunch and peppery bite that make every piece unique.
How to Make Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by crushing your candy canes into small pieces, but not powder. You want some texture for that delightful crunch. Measure out your white chocolate chips and have the sweetened condensed milk and extracts ready to go.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Condensed Milk
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently and continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth—this creamy combination is the foundation of your Candy Cane Fudge Recipe.
Step 3: Add Flavor Extracts and Candy Canes
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Then fold in the crushed candy canes, reserving some to sprinkle on top later. This step infuses the fudge with that signature peppermint flavor and a touch of crunch.
Step 4: Pour into a Pan and Chill
Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the fudge mixture evenly into the pan and sprinkle the reserved candy cane pieces on top to make it look extra festive. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set until firm.
Step 5: Cut and Enjoy
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and slice it into squares. Serve these delightful bites to friends and family or package them up as gifts—they’re guaranteed to bring smiles.
How to Serve Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra crushed candy canes or a light drizzle of white chocolate can make this fudge look stunning on a holiday dessert platter. For a bit of color contrast, try sprinkling crushed dried cranberries for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like peppermint mocha, spiced apple cider, or classic hot chocolate. The creamy sweetness balances beautifully with these warm drinks, making your holidays cozy and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, wrap your fudge squares in wax paper and tie them with a bright red ribbon or place them in decorative tins lined with festive tissue paper. You can also arrange them on a holiday-themed platter alongside cookies and nuts for a decadent dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Candy Cane Fudge Recipe results can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure to keep it away from heat and humidity to maintain its perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this fudge ahead of time, it freezes beautifully for up to three months. Wrap the squares individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not necessary. However, if it becomes hard in the freezer, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to keep its creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! While the original Candy Cane Fudge Recipe calls for white chocolate to complement the peppermint, swapping in milk or dark chocolate will give you a richer, less sweet flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.
How finely should I crush the candy canes?
For the best texture, crush the candy canes into small, irregular pieces rather than powder. This way, you’ll get crunchy bites throughout the fudge that enhance the peppermint experience.
Is it necessary to use peppermint extract?
Yes, peppermint extract is what really brings out the candy cane flavor in this fudge. If you don’t have it on hand, you can try vanilla extract alone, but the peppermint is what keeps this recipe truly authentic.
Can I make this fudge dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy-based ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate, so it’s challenging to make dairy-free without significant substitutions. However, there are specialty products that might help, but expect a difference in texture and taste.
How long does the fudge take to set?
Typically, the fudge needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to firm up properly. If your kitchen is warm, it might take a bit longer. Just be patient, because the wait is worth every bite!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe enough for your holiday celebrations. It’s incredibly easy to make, delightfully festive, and guaranteed to brighten up any dessert table. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of your go-to treats during the season, too. Nothing quite beats homemade fudge infused with that crisp peppermint crunch!
Print
Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Candy Cane Fudge recipe is a delightful holiday treat combining creamy white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and festive peppermint flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for gifting or sharing, this fudge is studded with crushed candy canes for a crunchy, minty twist on a classic confection.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Mix-ins and Topping
- 1 cup crushed candy canes, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. This prevents sticking and allows the fudge to set evenly.
- Melt the Chocolate and Condensed Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Take care not to overheat or scorch the chocolate.
- Add Flavors: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the fudge base.
- Mix in Candy Canes: Fold in 1 cup of crushed candy canes gently, ensuring they are well distributed but not overly broken down to retain some crunch and texture.
- Pour and Top: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top for decoration and extra festive crunch.
- Set the Fudge: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm and set completely.
- Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 24 small squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate to avoid graininess.
- Crushing the candy canes finely will distribute flavor better, but leaving some larger pieces adds a pleasing crunch.
- The fudge should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain firmness and freshness.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved easily, adjusting pan size accordingly.
